RIOTS: Precautions in Southwark

Boarding has gone up overnight around Palestra in Blackfriars Road as a precaution against rioting spreading to central London.

Palestra on Tuesday morning

Argos early on Tuesday morning

Scene outside Sports Direct on Tuesday morning

AMT machine cover on ground outside closed Barclays

Palestra is home to Transport for London's surface transport control centre which coordinates the operation of bus services and main roads in the capital.

"We absolutely condemn the violence that has taken place in Southwark and call for calm," said Southwark Council leader Peter John following serious trouble in Peckham and disturbances in Walworth Road on Monday evening.

"There is absolutely no justification for such behaviour and we ask residents to stay away from the affected area.

"We are working with the police to attempt to restore order and will work closely with the wider community, the overwhelming majority of whom would condemn these acts of senseless violence.

"It is important for the whole community that we all pull together now and in the days ahead."

Cathedrals Ward councillor David Noakes sent a message to residents during the evening asking for any incidents to be reported.

Bermondsey & Old Southwark MP Simon Hughes called on residents to stay at home unless they had an urgent reason for being out on the streets.

"I call on all parents, elders and other family members now to make sure that their teenagers and young adults stay inside and are not out on the streets," said the MP.

"And there is just one simple message for young people. Don't give in to the temptation to trash your own communities – these are the places which we all need for our future jobs, housing and prosperity."

Following reports of a late night break-in and looting at Argos and Sports Direct in Old Kent Road, Police officers from outside the borough were called in early on Tuesday to guard the precinct and preserve evidence for prosecutions.